What Is a Music Producer? [RETURN]

Artistic/Creative Sensibilities Related to a Discerning Musical Ear

LISTENING: After conducting side-by-side listening comparisons of the following examples...

"In the Midnight Hour"

"Got to Get You Into My Life"


SOME OTHER great comparison examples (courtesy Port Richmond HS)

DISCUSSION: ...discuss the following aspects of music production:
  • Recording Engineer (gear + software + knowledge)

  • Musical Arranger (traditional notation and pop/folk nomenclature)

  • Music Director (rehearse and conduct sessions)

  • Performing Artist

  • Composer & Lyricist

  • Artist Development (spotting, pairing, and grooming talent)

  • Business Person (financing, paying bills, copyright, etc.)

  • Marketer, Promoter, Publicist

  • Concert Tour Manager

  • Artist Manager

  • ….and more!


Here's a piece for solo clarinet written by a PHS student:
Dorian_Dance2.jpg
"Dorian Dance," by Rachael Hendricks

Listen to the piece as originally written

Listen to a "produced" version of the piece

DISCUSS: What "vision" has been brought to the original tune? Where might this version be used?



READING ASSIGNMENT: Read the New York Times obituary for legendary music producer, Jerry Wexler, who died in 2008. As you read, consider Wexler's gifts as a producer. Was he a consummate musician? A deft businessman? A visionary?

WRITING ASSIGNMENT: Share your reactions to the "What Is a Producer?" activities. Write a short essay consisting of two brief paragraphs which address, respectively: 1) your strengths as a music producer (i.e. if musical, do you play/perform, or compose/arrange, etc.; if business/vision, how so; maybe you already use recording hardware/software, tell me about that; etc.), and 2) an area or two you plan to devote yourself to strengthening in this class. Your essay should have a title (if you can't think of anything, call it "Music Production Profile") and your name at the top.

ASSIGNMENT:
Your essay MUST BE TYPED and submitted ELECTRONICALLY to me. Either type this as a Google Doc and share it with me, OR type it into Word and email it to me (as an attachment). I will not accept any handwritten submission, nor any work not sent to me via email or shared as a Google Doc (share with: drscottwatson@gmail.com).
GRADE: This brief essay is worth 25 points (10 points per topic and 5 for professionalism in writing).